Wednesday, December 25, 2013

This Christmas, I'm all by my lonesome. While my friends are out there eating, drinking, and putting some cash to their kids' socks and making the alibi that Santa Claus is the money-giver (Oops! Sorry kids for the spoiler alert.), here I am doing my work. But I'm pretty confident that I'm never alone.

I remember the time when Barclays Premier League club Liverpool honored those who braved the very crowded Hillsborough Arena in Sheffield, England just to watch the team's FA Cup Final Four battle against Nottingham in 1989, especially the 96 lives which was lost during what would be the most devastating soccer stampede ever. Until today, Liverpool (and so are other English and even other top European soccer squads) gives utmost respect to the Hillsborough Tragedy victims by adding the statement "You'll Never Walk Alone" in its logo. Even on social media, expect the hashtag #YNWA from Liverpool fans and other soccer analysts.

Just like how the soccer team continues to give moral support to the Hillsborough Crush victims and their relatives, God is still with us despite the troubles we had. In fact, He has already forgiven us of our sins. God showed that by coming to Earth, taking the form of a human and being the One who suffered the punishment for sin that we deserved. Until now, Jesus shows His love for us by not leaving us and overcoming our trials for us. (John 16:33) Yes, you might be alone physically this Yuletide season, but you'll never walk alone, because Christ is always with us. On His birthday, let us be reminded of this.

John 3:16 (NKJV)-For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

What will you do if symposium organizers clash over money matters? IACMR

I decided to take full advantage of my Ask.FM account. Thus, I present to you "Ask Stu". Here, I'm gonna answer your questions pertaining sports, travel, and also personal problems. Just go to my Ask.FM account already linked above and place your questions. I'm gonna answer your question through a blog post based on the category of your question (e.g. a sports-related question from you will be replied with a Newbie Gaming post on Sporty Guy). In fact, let's answer one. I got this from a good friend that wants to be called "Torn Writer" for privacy and sensitivity of the issue. Here's what he said:

"Dude, I have a problem. I have two friends who are in a rift. Friend 1 organized a symposium elsewhere, and formed a team. I got included in the organizing team, and he also invited Friend 2, who he met just recently. So the plans were set, and Friend 1 tasked Friend 2 and the rest of us to strike sponsorship deals for the talk. Friend 2, for me, is arguably the most active negotiator I met, and he was able to bring in major companies to support the talk. The symposium became a success, and it's time for the post-event report. However, Friend 1 found out that the total budget collected still lacked a certain amount, so he called one of the companies Friend 2 lured to the talk. F1 found out from a company representative that F2 has the money, and F1 got furious because F2 never handed him the cash and even some items to be given to the talk as token of appreciation for attending the symposium. F1 asked F2 to hand it ASAP. F2 responded and said that he mistakenly lent the money to another friend, who he said is also part of the team, and he promised to pay it. Few days have passed, but no money changed hands. There, tempers flared. F1 began calling F2 a robber. F2 replied and called F1 greedy. The tirades continued. Their friends have already sided with either of them. Then, F1 finally had enough and is set to bring the matter to the court. I want them to at least have a peaceful agreement if not fully reconcile, but it looks like this has gotten out of hand. What should I do?"

To Torn Writer, it's pretty hard that two of your friends are setting up a trial against each other. It's also hard to side with one of them especially if you're not aware of the real story. Even if you know about it, I'm sure you're now sad and even crying because siding with one will hurt the other. So here's what I got from my mom: stay away from it. I'm not saying you should forget about the issue. What I'm saying is that if you don't know what really happened (or decipher which is true), then don't side with one of them. Stay neutral. It doesn't mean that you are betraying both of them, but rather it's your way of saying that you want to finish the issue in a peaceful manner, even if it will not lead to them rekindling their friendship. Reconciliation will follow, so fear not. The Lord is the Ultimate Peacemaker. He knows the real truth, and let Him judge them (and us too). But through His grace and mercy, He will make rifts end without a sweat and make enemies friends. In the end, I'm gonna remind you with two Scriptures listed below.

Now, to F1 and F2, you need not to take this issue into legal matters. There's still time for you to settle this peacefully. Swallow your pride. To F1, just give him the cash. To F2, prove that you and your pals are no greedy and use the money for the good and not for yourself. Read the verses below for an enlightenment from God.

John 8:32-"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

1 Timothy 6:10a-"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."

I stand in faith with you that everything will be settled. I'm done. I'm out. -Stu